Alabama football countdown: 8 days until kickoff

Alabama football countdown: 8 days until kickoff

Alabama football countdown: 8 days until kickoff

The Alabama Crimson Tide is set to kick off its season against the Duke Blue Devils during the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game on Aug. 31. The game, of course, will be taking place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta (Ga.).

With it now being August 23, that means we’re only 8 days away from football season being back!

New arrival Christian Harris, a freshman linebacker out of Baton Rouge (La.), will wear the No. 8 for Alabama this upcoming season.

Christian Harris, Linebacker

Hometown: Baton Rouge (La.)

Class: Freshman

Height/Weight: 6-2, 244

Status: Harris has emerged as a potential front-runner to start next to Dylan Moses at inside linebacker.

Summary: It could be argued that Harris was the least-likely option to be considered as a replacement for Mack Wilson in the starting lineup next to Moses.

It’s not because he isn’t talented enough, but the true freshman didn’t even arrive on campus until the start of summer. In most cases, that hurts a first year player’s chances of earning playing time in Year 1 — much less Week 1.

Well, it looks like the 6-foot-2, 244-pound inside linebacker could actually be the starter come next Saturday’s game against Duke. And if he isn’t, fans shouldn’t be surprised at all to see him see significant snaps.

There’s so much raw talent with Harris. The versatility that he showed in high school is rare, as he saw snaps at wide receiver, tight end, running back, defensive end, cornerback, kick returner and yes, linebacker.

That sort of experience should help him, especially as a coverage linebacker, during his first season on campus. He’s use to having to learn a variety of roles and responsibilities, which means he’s capable of having a lot thrown at him.

As much as Alabama will miss Joshua McMillon’s leadership and steadiness on defense, a potential play-maker like Harris could be a dynamic playing next to another versatile standout linebacker out of Louisiana like Moses.

*Alabama’s 2019 football schedule is on page 2.

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